Residents of Gwagwalada in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Minister Nyesom Wike for initiating transformative rural projects aimed at improving infrastructure and the quality of life in the area.
In separate interviews on Sunday, residents expressed their appreciation for projects such as the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore–Ibwa Road and the Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road, which have significantly impacted their socio-economic lives.
Mr. Wike inaugurated the Paikon Kore–Ibwa Road on February 1, 2024, as part of his administration’s efforts to address infrastructural deficits in rural areas across the six FCT Area Councils. The project aimed to enhance accessibility and promote development in underserved communities.
Ibrahim Makeri, a local resident, highlighted the road’s role in reducing flooding issues that previously hindered agricultural activities and disrupted school attendance during the rainy season. “With the road successfully constructed, anybody can go wherever they wish,” he said, urging the minister to extend the project to connect 70 more communities along the corridor.
Similarly, the Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road, inaugurated eight months later, was hailed as a catalyst for business revival. Traders like Charles Eyo and Obi Nicodemus reported significant improvements in their businesses, which had been struggling due to poor road conditions.
The projects also provided employment opportunities for locals, including 75 individuals hired by Setraco Nigeria Ltd during the execution of the Paikon Kore–Ibwa Road. Yahaya Abdullahi, a Higher National Diploma holder in Quantity Survey, shared how his role as a surveyor marked his first major job since graduation.
Senaka Rupanetti, Senior Project Manager at Setraco, noted that the nine-kilometre road project, featuring 17 culverts, was completed ahead of schedule, thanks to Mr. Wike’s prompt payments.
Similarly, ongoing work on the Aguma Palace–Market Road by Okmas Nigeria Limited is progressing, with 40% completed. Executive Director Ebere Owhonda projected its completion by August.
Community leader Umar Abubakar lauded Mr. Wike’s determination to uplift rural dwellers, emphasizing that previously abandoned projects have been revived under his leadership. “In less than two years, Wike has done remarkably well for the people of Gwagwalada,” he said.
Residents, traders, and community leaders expressed hope that the momentum of rural transformation will continue, paving the way for further development in the FCT.
